Rationalize

/ˈɹæʃənəlaɪz/ · verb

Meaning

To make something rational or more rational..

Definitions by Sense

1. To make something rational or more rational.
2. To justify a discreditable act, or irrational behaviour.
3. (mathematics) To remove radicals, without changing the value of an expression or the roots of an equation.
4. To structure something along modern, efficient and systematic lines, or according to scientific principles. This often includes eliminating duplication and grouping like or similar items.

Example Sentences

Vested interest, united ties, / landed gentry, rationalize. / Look who bought the myth. / By jingo, buy America.

At our October meeting, Membership Director George Kaufer suggested rationalizing schedules on the Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton trains. He had prepared peak-hour schedules with a focus on ensuring that trains to Hoboken alternate more equally with those to New York, rather than having a number of trains to one destination together before a train to the other city.

Synonyms for rationalize

Antonyms for rationalize

Related Words

Word Forms

• rationalizes
• rationalizing
• rationalized
• rationalise

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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